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At just 10 years old, Ayden P. of Las Vegas, Nevada, has already made a huge impact for animals. For his birthday this year, Ayden decided to use his birthday party as a fundraiser for the ASPCA, and asked that his friends and family members donate to our organization in lieu of gifts. This special young philanthropist raised $600 for animals during his birthday fundraiser!

We couldn’t be more honored that Ayden chose to support our life-saving mission for animals in need. This was Ayden’s fourth birthday party fundraiser: Since 2010, he has raised funds for the Red Cross, the Shade Tree, a local shelter for women and children, and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Ayden also shows his commitment to animals by visiting a local pet rescue shelter, Little Friends, with his Aunt Pauline. He has previously volunteered with PetSmart’s PAWS program, an adoption program for cats. Ayden also has a plump yellow Lab named Fudge.

We really thought we’d heard it all when it comes to pet scams, but nothing prepared us for this story out of Argentina. Allegedly, white ferrets are being beefed up, dolled up and sold to clueless customers…as bargain-priced toy poodles!

It’s terrible if ferrets really are being given steroids and sold to people who ultimately don’t want them, but we’ve got to admit, that ferret’s blowout is pretty amazing.

This week, the animal news was filled with nice people doing great stuff for animals. We’re feeling great about humanity right now, and here’s why:

Tourists in Times Square were a little weirded out to see a zombie running after a cat, sure, but there was a good reason. A haunted house promoter in full zombie makeup rescued a cat on the loose…and the lucky kitty was reunited with his family thanks to a microchip! (New York Daily News)

On April 3, ASPCA Humane Law Enforcement Agents arrested Alex Dykes, 49, for allegedly beating his one-year-old male Shih Tzu mix, Bentley. In September, our agents visited Dykes’ Brooklyn home to investigate a complaint that a dog had been beaten and needed immediate help.

At the residence, Agents found poor Bentley in pain, and they knew something was wrong. They transported him to the ASPCA Animal Hospital for treatment. Our vets treated Bentley with oxygen immediately, ultimately concluding he had a brain hemorrhage and a fractured skull and jaw due to blunt force trauma. He is now recuperating in a foster home.

Dykes was charged with one count of aggravated animal cruelty, a felony, and one count of misdemeanor animal cruelty. If convicted, he faces up to two years in jail and/or a $5,000 fine.

Looking at Bentley’s sweet face, we have to wonder: Who could do this to an animal?

The results are in—drum roll please! After hundreds of adorable photo submissions, Pinterest users have voted for their three favorite entries in the ASPCA’s “I Heart My Pet” Pinterest contest, sponsored by Reeds Jewelers and David & Goliath.

Congratulations to first place winner, Shelbie J., second place winner, JoAnna W., and third place winner, Kristina G.! We’d also like to extend a huge thank you to all of the proud pet parents that participated in our Pinterest contest. We asked for photos of your happy pets, and received hundreds of lovable submissions!